SHORT TAKES ON THE DRIFTING WRECKAGE – AT 11:55 P.M. ET: 

BLUNT TALK – FROM COLLEGE FIX:  At colleges across the country, some students — and especially students of color — increasingly say that their experiences on campus are “traumatizing.” The claim has almost become ubiquitous it’s used so often.  But one professor of psychology says if these students are truly “traumatized” by their lessons, they require medical or professional help.  Dr. Jordan Peterson, a research and clinical psychologist at the University of Toronto, said the word trauma should not be tossed around casually by students.  “If you’re that vulnerable, then you’re in no position to be exposing yourself to challenging dialogue,” Peterson said in an interview with The College Fix. “You’re not fit, in a psychological sense, for any complex activity. To be traumatized by a discussion you have to be teetering on the edge of intrapsychic disintegration.”  I'm glad someone finally said it, although he'll probably now be accused of racism.

THIS ACTUALLY RAN – FROM THE WRAP:  It smells like The Rock is cooking up an election victory, should he go ahead and throw his hat into the ring in the 2020 presidential race.  According to Public Policy Polling, wrestler-turned-actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would lead the current chief executive in a potential match-up in 2020.  Public Policy Polling released a report Tuesday stating that Johnson would lead Trump 42/37 in a prospective race, given current data.  According to the report, Johnson is viewed favorably by 36 percent of voters, while only 13 percent view him negatively.  There is a big question mark mixed in with the numbers, however, as 50 percent of voters have no opinion of the “Baywatch” star (though, frankly, we don’t know how that’s possible).  This is what it's come to. 

GREAT MOMENTS IN THE LAW – FROM ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY:   According to the Austin American-Statesman, 37-year-old Brandon Vezmar of Austin is suing a Round Rock woman for texting during their movie date last week. He’s seeking $17.31, the price of a ticket to a 3D screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.  Describing the outing as “a first date from hell,” Vezmar told the newspaper that his date began texting about 15 minutes into the movie. According to a petition filed in small claims court, Vezmar’s date “activated her phone at least 10-20 times” until he asked her to stop. When he suggested she go outside to text, the woman departed the theater altogether and left Vezmar without a ride home, he said.  Vezmar said the woman subsequently refused to reimburse him for the ticket, and his petition described her behavior as “a threat to civilized society.”  You know, I'm inclined to agree with him. 

May 16,  2017